Russians there for the taking.

ROBBIE SAVAGE believes Wales can win the big Euro 2004 shoot-out against Russia if they gamble and go for it - because his Birmingham team-mate Kenny Cunningham says so.

Irish skipper Cunningham twice played the Russians in the Group 10 qualifiers.

And he has told a relieved Savage that the Russians, big favourites to reach next summer's finals in Portugal, are there for the taking if Wales really believe in themselves.

Savage admits he was hoping Mark Hughes' men were paired against either Latvia or Slovenia in the draw on Monday.

"We wanted to avoid Holland, Spain and Turkey," said Savage.

"But, out of the nine teams in the draw, the fourth side we didn't want to face was Russia. They are another big football nation."

Savage went on, "I was hardly thrilled, at first, when I learned it was beat Russia or bust because they are a genuine quality side.

"But I've spoken to my Birmingham team-mate Kenny Cunningham about it and he feels that we can beat them.

"Kenny has played against them twice recently for Ireland so he knows what he is talking about. And Kenny's straight as as they come - for him to say we have a chance, we genuinely must have a chance."

Savage and the rest of his Wales colleagues travel to Moscow for the first leg of the play-off on November 15. The return leg is at the Millennium Stadium on November 19.

"I've spoken to a few of the other Wales players and we believe it could have been worse - but equally, it could have been better," said Savage.

"There were tougher teams in the draw than Russia and there were weaker teams.

"But, every Welsh player I've spoken to believes that if we have 11 fit players and our first choice line-up in the matches, we can beat Russia.

"In fact, we can beat anyone, particularly at the Millennium Stadium, as we have already shown against Italy and Germany.

"It's important that we do come through these play-offs because we have to be disappointed at the final outcome in Group Nine.

"We had such a fantastic start by winning our first four games that we had to be looking to qualify automatically as group winners.

"With small nations such as ourselves, if you have a lot of injuries you are always going to struggle and that is what happened towards the end.

"But the dream is still on and hopefully we can get everyone fit for two massive, massive games.

"We have just got to make sure we go to Moscow and don't lose.

"If we do lose, we have to make sure it is only by a very small margin.

"We know Russia in November is going to be very cold and very intimidating. We also know Russia have got some fantastic players, like their captain Alexei Smertin, who I have taken on already when Birmingham played Portsmouth earlier this season.

"In the old days you wouldn't have wanted to go out to Moscow. But Kenny tells me it's a good stadium and we will be treated with hospitality.

"We have to aim to go there and get something, bring Russia back to Cardiff in front of 74,000 of our own fans, and then really go for it. If we manage that, we can do it. I know we can.

"I honestly think it suits us better to be away first, because we will know exactly what we have to do come that home leg in Cardiff."

Savage, player of the season for Birmingham last term, missed Tuesday night's 0-0 Premiership draw with Chelsea. The achilles injury which ruled him out of Wales' game against Serbia last Saturday is still troubling him.

But Savage hopes to return in Sunday's derby clash with Aston Villa.

And he says he will certainly be okay for the play-off games against Russia.

"I should be fit by then, if not I think I will retire," joked Savage.

"It's just a slight knock. It ruled me out of the game against Chelsea, but hopefully, with a bit of luck, I can be fit for the game on Sunday.

"It's a niggling injury I have in my achilles which is proving just a nuisance for me."